F5 also offers a select set of BIG-IP platforms, which include a HSM that supports a FIPS 140-2 Level 2 implementation for RSA cryptographic key generation, use, and protection. Keys generated on, or imported into, a BIG-IP integrated HSM are not extractable in plain-text format. BIG-IP hardware devices with integrated HSMs come with a sealed epoxy cover that, if removed, will render the card useless and the keys inaccessible. For additional protection, the BIG-IP 10350v-F supports a FIPS 140-2 Level 3 implementation of the internal HSM. This security rating means that the 10350v-F HSM card includes tamper-resistance, which recognizes physical access attempts, cryptographic module manipulation, and/or tampering, and will destroy the keys and render the card useless.

Unified platform—BIG-IP is able to consolidate an HSM that provides secure key storage with application delivery solution that has SSL key management and certificate management on a single device. Other solutions require a separate system or a FIPS-certified card for each web server, but the BIG-IP system’s key management framework allows a highly scalable secure infrastructure that can handle higher traffic levels. Organizations can also easily add new services to the infrastructure.

DFARS 252.204-7012 / NIST SP 800-171 for Confidential Unclassified Information (CUI) is a US Department of Defence Contractor mandate as of December 2017, and is met through a FIPS validated solutions covering asymmetric and symmetric crypto operations. Specific F5 FIPS platforms meet this requirement directly, or through the addition of the F5 FIPS module. See above for qualifying platforms and details.

Common Criteria is an international standard (ISO 15408) for the evaluation of security properties of an IT product. This set of requirements evaluates hardware, software, firewalls, and servers. The evaluation goal is to provide a level of assurance that a device or software securely handles data, and has no elements that could compromise its integrity. Each Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL) requires progressively more detailed information about the design and testing of the device or software under evaluation. (Please note that the EAL classification system is being replaced by collaborative Protection Profiles, which have been designed for specific technologies and specify the requirements claimed in the Security Target, as well as assurance activities for those requirements.)

Common Criteria provides assurance to the U.S. Department of Defense and federal intelligence agencies that products they purchase follow presidential requirements for operating secure information systems. Other federal agencies and some financial enterprises find it significantly easier to buy Common Criteria-approved products for their sensitive deployments. F5 has achieved EAL 2+ and EAL 4+ certifications. Network Device and Firewall collaborative Protection Profile certifications are in process. See chart and links below for details.

United States Government IPv6 Conformance Certification (USGv6)

The U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) declared that all federal agencies are required to use IPv6 in their networks in OMB Memorandum M-05-22. United States Government IPv6 Conformance Certification (USGv6) is a set of technical standards for the acquisition of IPv6 capable hosts, routers, and network security devices The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) created the USGv6 conformance standards to support adoption of IPv6 in the U.S. government.

NIST 800-53

NIST Special Publication 800-53, Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations, is a core standard defining how to approach information security and risk management within the federal government. Developed by NIST, DoD, the Intelligence Community, and the Committee on National Security Systems, this standard provides guidance on continuous monitoring and FISMA requirements. It also supports a risk-based approach to protecting critical missions and business functions.

F5 has distilled this 240-plus page document into an F5 iApp for NIST 800-53. The iApp provides several pages of relevant questions and tasks to assist the administrator in applying the relevant security controls on their BIG-IP device, saving organizations hours of management time and resources.

If your agency is looking to improve the DIACAP process, or looking to comply with FISMA, then the F5 NIST 800-53 iApp will help ensure the proper configuration settings on the BIG-IP are reviewed and set.

The US Department of Defense DoDIN APL is a single consolidated list of products that have completed Interoperability (IO) and Information Assurance (IA) certification. DoDIN APL certifications verify the system complies with and is configured consistent with the DISA Field Security Office (FSO) Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG).